Movieline Online

THE FLICK: Who could blame people for avoiding The Alamo? After a decade-long burnout of historical epics with two-bit romances crammed uncomfortably into their plot (Titanic and Peal Harbor being the most noteworthy), the very idea of another famous American tragedy being adapted to film is suspect at best – twice-tragic at worst. But this production (which bears the Imagine label but was passed over by director Ron Howard) comes through with a respectful and straightforward retelling of the last desperate hours of a few hundred trapped American soldiers, militia, civilians and two living legends (Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie) at the mercy of Mexican dictator Santa Anna and his army of thousands. Much like the holy trinity of Kirk, Spock and McCoy, the film’s spirit is divided between its three heroes – each of them flawed, but somehow complementing the other thirds. Billy Bob Thornton’s performance is equal to the best work he’s ever done, including Sling Blade. His Davy Crockett is a...

THE FLICK: It’s tough to convince “non-believers” that Dawn of the Dead is anything more than an amateurish splatter film. Of course, these are the same people that won’t watch black and white movies or anything presented with subtitles. In short, they’re morons. But if you’d like to point out the depth of their stupidity, flash a copy of Anchor Bay’s new Ultimate Edition as proof that there are people in the world who “get it.” Enough to enjoy three versions of the film (theatrical, extended and European), two whopping documentaries, three full-length commentaries, and oh-so much more behind-the-scenes info about what is universally regarding as the best zombie movie ever made. Before we go any further, the excerpt below is from the review of the previous Anchor Bay release of the theatrical edition for those not in the know. More than any of his other 1970’s behind-the-camera contemporaries, George Romero resented the label “horror film director.” And while many might find this attit...